F1 Testing 2026: Latest Weather Forecast from Barcelona as Conditions Continue to Disrupt Running
Formula 1’s first official taste of life under the all-new 2026 regulations has already been shaped as much by the weather as by engineering innovation. With pre-season testing beginning on Monday, January 26 at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, teams have been forced to adapt quickly to challenging conditions — and the forecast suggests the elements will remain a key talking point for the remainder of the week.
This initial phase of testing, often referred to as a private shakedown, is taking place behind closed doors, with no live timing or official data released. Each team is permitted to run on only three of the five scheduled days, making every hour of dry running particularly valuable. As a result, fluctuating weather conditions could significantly influence how much meaningful mileage teams are able to complete before the season begins.
While teams have been selective in what information they release, weather disruptions were already evident early in the week, prompting concerns that further rain could limit on-track activity in the days ahead.
Day Two – Tuesday, January 27: Rain Halts Progress
Running on Tuesday was heavily compromised after rain swept across the circuit late in the morning. At approximately 10:41am local time (CET), light rain forced a pause in slick-tyre running for the only two teams on track at the time — Ferrari, with Charles Leclerc at the wheel, and Red Bull, running Max Verstappen.
Forecasts indicate that conditions deteriorate further as the day progresses. There is an 85 per cent chance of light rain by 2pm, with showers expected to persist into the evening. By around 6pm, thundery rain is forecast, effectively ending any realistic prospect of meaningful running later in the day.
Day Three – Wednesday, January 28: Persistent Showers Continue
Wet weather is expected to carry over into Wednesday, with a lingering chance of drizzle throughout the morning. By midday, the probability of precipitation rises to nearly 50 per cent before transitioning into steady light rain from early afternoon.
The likelihood of rain increases sharply as the day goes on, reaching around 76 per cent during the afternoon and early evening. Temperatures are forecast to peak at just 11°C, adding another layer of difficulty for teams attempting to gather tyre and aero data. Winds of up to 11mph are also expected, potentially affecting car balance and straight-line testing.
Day Four – Thursday, January 29: Signs of Improvement
Thursday offers teams a glimmer of hope. While there remains a 30 per cent chance of light rain during the morning hours, conditions are expected to improve significantly as the day progresses. By around 2pm, the rain risk disappears entirely, giving way to brighter skies and periods of sunshine through the late afternoon.
Temperatures are set to rise slightly, reaching highs of 13°C. Winds should remain light, with a gentle breeze of around 11mph forecast between 3pm and 4pm — manageable conditions that could finally allow teams to execute more representative long runs.
Day Five – Friday, January 30: Ideal Conditions to Finish Strong
The final day of the Barcelona shakedown currently promises the best conditions of the week. Forecasts suggest completely dry weather throughout Friday, with sunshine expected from mid-morning until late afternoon.
Temperatures are predicted to climb to a more comfortable 15°C, while moderate winds of up to 15mph should not significantly disrupt testing programmes. With no rain expected, teams are likely to maximise track time and potentially save their most important test items for this crucial final day.
What Is an F1 Shakedown?
A shakedown marks the first opportunity for teams to run their new cars properly on track, functioning as a critical systems check ahead of full pre-season testing. Unlike race weekends, there are no lap limits or performance targets — the focus is purely on reliability, correlation, and ensuring new components operate as intended.
This Barcelona shakedown is conducted privately, with limited personnel and no media access. However, fans will still be able to follow developments through team-released footage and Sky Sports F1, which is airing a nightly testing highlights show at 9pm GMT. These episodes will also be available on Sky F1’s official YouTube channel.
As the week unfolds, the weather may yet decide which teams leave Barcelona feeling confident — and which leave still searching for answers.
